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Metaphysical Underdetermination: Why Worry?

French, Steven (2009) Metaphysical Underdetermination: Why Worry? In: [2008] Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Underdetermination Workshop (Düsseldorf April 10-12, 2008).

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    Abstract

    Various forms of underdetermination that might threaten the realist stance are examined. That which holds between different ‘formulations’ of a theory (such as the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics) is considered in some detail, as is the ‘metaphysical’ underdetermination invoked to support ‘ontic structural realism’. The problematic roles of heuristic fruitfulness and surplus structure in attempts to break these forms of underdetermination are discussed and an approach emphasizing the relevant structural commonalities is defended.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: ontic structural realism, underdetermination.
    Subjects: General Issues > Theory Change
    General Issues > Theory/Observation
    Specific Sciences > Physics
    General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
    Conferences and Volumes: [2008] Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Underdetermination Workshop (Düsseldorf April 10-12, 2008)
    Depositing User: Ioannis Votsis
    Date Deposited: 28 May 2009
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:18
    Item ID: 4655
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4655

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